Avoid long lines on Feb. 15; enroll now in affordable health insurance

Mon February 9, 2015

DuPage County residents who want affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care Act are urged to act now and avoid the long lines that are likely to occur in the last few days before the Feb. 15 deadline.

There were long waits last year at the enrollment deadline, but residents can call (888) 724-0077 today and make a free appointment with a Health Department counselor or Navigator to get information and enroll in insurance.

Additional information is available at www.enrolldupage.org, along with times, dates and locations for free enrollment events from now until Feb. 15. The Health Department, along with community partners, will be offering extended hours for appointments in the final days before the deadline.

Everyone should also be reminded that the penalty for failing to get insurance (either Medicaid or private insurance) increases to $325 or 2 percent of income per person, whichever is larger, this year.

There is no deadline to enroll in Medicaid, but Feb. 15 is the final day to enroll or renew insurance in the federally-facilitated Marketplace and receive financial assistance, based on your income.